Good health is something we all want, but it takes some effort and sacrifice on our part. One can’t expect to have unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits, and still be in the pink of health. Yet, we all have our vices (be it smoking, drinking, eating far too much sugar, not exercising), and they are not always easy to let go off. But, with certain alternatives, it is possible to make small changes that can help ease the transition and move towards a healthier lifestyle. Let’s look into some of these:
Ditch The Smoking For Vaping
For those not in the know, vaping is the use of an electronic device that turns liquid into vapour through heating, which the user then inhales. One can say it is a milder (and thus relatively safer) form of smoking as it is a bit different to smoking. Smoking involves the burning of tobacco leaves which creates smoke, and it is this burning of the tobacco that causes most of the health problems. While vaping also has nicotine, it is not as harmful as smoking.
So if you are a chain smoker and are looking for a manageable way to reduce smoking, vaping could help you make the transition. Visit a vape shop to see the available options - you can get flavoured vape juices!
Switch To Non-Alcoholic Drinks
You’ll be surprised at the range of non-alcoholic drinks that are available in the market nowadays! And we’re not just talking about colas and juices, but drinks with a very low percentage of alcohol or even completely alcohol-free! From spirits to a good ol’ GnT to even non-alcoholic beer, you wouldn’t know it’s not the real thing!
Swap Sugar For Healthier Treats
Most of us have a sweet tooth and we all know that sugar and carbs are not good health’s allies! But you don’t need to sacrifice or curb those sugar cravings completely; instead just opt for healthier treats. All the goodness without the calories and unhealthy bits! And the best part is you can enjoy dessert guilt-free!
Take Small Steps To Start Exercising
Eating sensibly is one part of becoming healthier; regular exercise is also necessary. But for most, it does take a lot of willpower to go for a run everyday or make that trip to the gym. And if the weather is cold and uninviting, the last thing you want to do is exercise!
The way forward is to set smaller, more manageable goals and take baby steps towards achieving them. For instance, start with a daily 15 minute walk - even if it’s just around the block or two rounds of your local park. Then add a 10 minute workout. Then increase the intensity of the workout. Getting the drift? It’s all about making manageable goals and smashing them!
De-stress With Meditation
Stress is a modern lifestyle disease - it actually leads to so many mental and physical health issues. One can’t totally avoid stress as it is part and parcel of life and work, but we can certainly learn how to effectively deal with it.
With our fast-paced lives, we are constantly on the move and our minds are constantly occupied with mental notes and to-do lists. We rarely allow ourselves time to just ‘be’. Attempt to meditate at least twice or thrice a week and see the difference it makes. If you cannot meditate, start with just sitting in a quiet place for ten minutes and just letting thoughts flow through your head, or, better still, let no thoughts in. Just ‘be’.
Practice Conscious Living
Again, because of our fast-paced lifestyles, we are always in a rush to get somewhere or finish something. We are so focussed on the destination that we don’t always enjoy the journey. Practicing conscious living is great for mental well-being. It will take time and effort but start by making an effort to be in the moment rather than being in a hurry for the moment to pass.
And last but not the least, get enough sleep! Most of us put our sleep on a backseat because of work overload, or too much on our platter, or as mums it’s the last thing on our minds. But work towards changing that bad habit. As tempting as it might be to see Netflix or scroll Facebook till 2 am every night, it is not good for your health. Again, set achievable targets: if you go to bed at 2 am, don’t suddenly force yourself to be asleep by 8 pm! It won’t work. Start will 11 pm first, for instance, and work your way backwards.
Louise Mercieca
Nutritional Therapist
Personal Trainer
Award-winning Author
Food writer
Presenter on Early Years TV Food
Keynote speaker
www.thehealthkick.co.uk